The 8 Sexiest Subway Systems In The World (PHOTOS, POLL)

When your taxi fare far exceeds the number of sights you want to see, its worth checking out the local metro system. In fact, some cities have subways so beautiful, they are must-see destinations in and of themselves. Check out our list of the eight sexiest subway systems in the world and let us know what you think.

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The 8 Sexiest Subway Systems In The World

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For many reasons, it’s no question why the Moscow subway boasts the greatest number of annual riders of all the subway systems in the world. The extravagantly designed Stalinist-era stations feature ornate golden chandeliers, magnificent marble molding, vaulted ceilings and intricate, painted murals. The Moscow Metro also makes sure you get where you want to go, when you want to be there. Trains travel up to 75 mph and arrive every 90 seconds during rush hour. The metro is also pet-friendly. Fare: 69 cents, with contact-less smart cards Hours: 5:30 AM to 1 AM

One of the cleanest and greenest subway systems around. Designed in accordance with the Kyoto protocol, the Madrid metro’s cleaning system recycles over 80% (or 11,000,000 liters) of the water used to wash their trains each year. With the use of this liquid purification system, Madrid insures that none of the hazardous industrial liquids used to clean the trains ever seep into the public water supply. A metro with morals, we like that.
Fare: 1 Euro with metro card Hours: 6 AM - 1:30 AM

If Paul the famous world cup octopus were a subway system, he’d be Hong Kong. The Hong Kong subway is so dang reliable that the last time a train was late by a couple of seconds, it made the news. Speaking of a forward thinking octopus, the contact-less, all-purpose fare card used to pay for the subway (that also doubles as currency at a variety of parking meters, restaurants and convenience stores around Beijing) is called...you guessed it, “The Octopus Card”. Now that is the card of the future.
Fare: 85 cents with an Octopus card Hours: 6 AM to 1 AM

The Japanese word oshiya does not translate to packed sardines, but it should. Oshiya actually means “pusher”, as in an employee whose job it is to literally push passengers into tightly packed subway cars so the doors can close (read: canned sardines). You might be wondering why a subway with that kind of uncivil service made this best of list. Enter the plezoelectric ground. This floor of the future harvests the kinetic energy from the rushed footfalls of rush hour riders to power their subway stations. Very, very cool.
Fare: $1.68 with swipe card Hours: 5 AM to 1 AM

Preview the Louvre before you actually visit it on your Paris Metro ride and enjoy the many high-quality replicas from the museum that hang within the subway platforms. The beauty of the Metro extends on to the street as well; its stops are famous for their stunning Art Nouveau entrances designed by the renowned turn of the century architect, Hector Guimard. Beyond the aesthetics, the Paris Metro boasts the densest track system in the world. In fact, no destination during your trip will ever be farther than 500 meters from the nearest station. As the old saying goes, “Métro, boulot, dodo!”.
Fare: $2.25 with a Carte Navigo or a contactless smart card Hours: 5 AM - 1 AM Sunday through Thursday; later on Fridays and Saturdays

We know, we know. The Tube is unbearably hot, crowded and subject to unexpected breakdowns during your morning rush hour traffic. What is it doing on a best subway systems list? For tourists who want to see the city without being charged an arm and a leg for taxis, Europe’s most extensive metro (253 miles of track) is the best way to see all the sights. On the plus side, the Tube features LED time displays indicating the wait time for the next arriving train, the seats are cushioned to soothe your bum after a long day of sightseeing and it connects to the Eurostar to Paris if that’s your next destination. Cut the line and buy an oyster card before you go. Mind the gap!
Fare: Pay by stop. Hours: 5:30AM to 1:30 AM Mondays through Saturdays, 6:30 AM to 1 AM on Sundays

The city that never sleeps needs a subway that can keep up. That’s why the NYC subway system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With one of the most extensive track systems world wide, you can get to nearly anywhere you want to go within just a few blocks. Plus, all lines feature an additional express lane for those who are traveling longer distances.
Fare: 1-way: $2.25, 1-Day fun pass: $8.25

The Wall Street Journal hailed Beijing as the “iPhone of subways” (we are guessing this was before the days of iPhone 4). It’s easy to see why. From the time Beijing was chosen to host the summer 2008 Olympics to today, Beijing’s subway system grew from just two shabby lines to six high-tech expressways of the future. Not only are the trains so pristine that they shine, but they also feature cell phone reception, on-board televisions, touch screen maps and, for the English-speaking traveler, bilingual announcements.
Fare: 2 RMB with a contact-less Yikatong card Hours: 5 AM - midnight